MSc in Animal Behaviour
University of St Andrews
Key Information
Campus location
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 Year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 29,950 / per year *
Application deadline
26 Jul 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* overseas / home: £11,680
Introduction
This MSc programme provides an intellectual and practical overview of modern animal behaviour taught by leading researchers. It covers key topics such as cognition, behavioural ecology and biologging, as well as the latest techniques and research skills used to study these.
Course details
The MSc in Animal Behaviour is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Biology. This programme has a distinct focus on the theoretical, experimental design-based, analytical and technical approaches underpinning modern animal behaviour research.
Highlights
- The program is taught within the School of Biology’s Centre for Biological Diversity, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for animal behaviour research, including animal cognition, cultural evolution, biologging and the study of complex systems
- A core curriculum focused on training invaluable transferable skills is supplemented with a range of specialised options allowing students to explore topics of particular interest at an advanced level
- You will have the exciting opportunity to conduct fieldwork locally as part of a core module and further afield as part of optional field courses (extra cost applicable) on our Antarctica Polar Ecology module or the Scientific Diving module
- You will undertake a detailed independent research project within one of the School of Biology’s research groups
- Student-led seminars and workshops are designed to support learning, enhance confidence and promote employability.
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your programme.
Compulsory
During Semester 1, students take two compulsory modules that provide sound training in essential skills for animal behaviour research.
- Mathematical and Statistical Modelling for Biologists: applies mathematical ideas to questions in biology and introduces methods for fitting models to biological data mainly using R software.
- Research Skills for Animal Behaviour: focuses on key skills for designing and carrying out experimental research in the laboratory and field.
In Semester 2, students take the following compulsory module:
Communication Skills for Animal Behaviour Research: practices key communication skills for modern animal behaviour research, including writing for other scientists, peer review, communicating with the public and outreach.
Optional
You will also choose three of the following optional modules:
- Predators and Prey: Explore the diverse behaviours that shape the interactions between predators and their prey
- Advanced Animal Cognition: Develop an understanding of how animals perceive the world and how their cognitive abilities are shaped by selection
- Current Issues in Biologging: Presents an introduction to the theory and practice of logging and relaying physical and biological data using animal-attached tags
- The Question of Culture in Animals: Discuss the existence and extent of social learning and cultural transmission in non-humans
- Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour: Examine animal behaviour from a complex systems perspective, where analyses range from captive housing of entire bird flocks, computer simulation, and the use of robots to interact with the animals
- Scientific Diving: Field course at a tropical diving location (requires suitable diving qualifications and payment of expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow)
- Predator Ecology in Polar Ecosystems - Antarctica: Theoretical and practical field course including a vessel-based trip to Antarctica (requires payment of an expedition fee, offered only if international travel conditions allow)
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered;
Research project
Throughout the academic year, students complete a research project which will culminate in a written dissertation and presentation of a poster at the MSc student conference. Projects will be supervised by Biology staff but may be carried out with joint supervision from staff in other institutions. Students can choose from a range of projects suggested by supervisors and also take an active role in designing their project plans.
A broad range of research into animal behaviour, ecology and evolution takes place within the Centre for Biological Diversity, and projects will be offered within many of these areas. Below are examples of some of the different topics currently studied within the Centre.
- Animal cognition in the wild
- Animal cultures
- Behaviour and speciation in insects
- The behaviour of groups and collective behaviour
- Behavioural ecology and conservation ecology of birds
- Complex biological systems
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Fish behaviour and evolution
- Insect behavioural ecology and evolution
- Social learning.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
Teaching
Teaching format
The course consists of two taught semesters and an independent research project culminating in a written dissertation and poster presentation. The research project takes place during the entire year with a particular focus on the last three months from mid-May to mid-August.
Semester 1 focuses on research skills. Students receive training in statistical analysis and data handling, experimental design and conducting animal behaviour research in the laboratory and the field, including a residential field trip.
During Semester 2, you will select specialist optional modules in topical areas of research and also further develop your professional communication skills.
The modular curriculum is designed to be coherent, providing integrated, hands-on training that will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies (for example, PhD) or for those choosing to pursue research-focused careers.
Teaching takes the form of:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Debates
- Workshops
- Tutorials
Practicals involve lab and field work and computer-based data analysis.
Class sizes usually range from 5 to 30 students, depending on the module.
There is a strong focus on small-group teaching so that students are individually supported and can ask for help when it is needed.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Career Opportunities
This program will provide a strong foundation for students wishing to further their studies (for example, MPhil or Ph.D.) or those choosing to pursue careers in animal behavior.
Further study
Many MSc graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere. PhD students at the School of Biology at St Andrews can undertake a research degree in their chosen subject area where research interests span the breadth of biological science.
Program Tuition Fee
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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